Inside the BRD: Grafton lineman Jacob Mazgajewski to ink full football scholarship to Norfolk State

Two weeks ago, Jacob Mazgajewski hadn’t even been contacted by Norfolk State University. Wednesday, Mazgajewski, a Grafton High lineman, committed to a full football scholarship to play for the Spartans.

Mazgajewski, a 6-foot-6, 255-pound senior, said the Spartans recruited him to play offensive tackle. He was a two-way starter the past two seasons on the lines at Grafton, where he helped the Clippers win the Region I Division 4 title and reach the state playoff semifinals his junior season.

He said he was contacted by NSU on Jan. 14, made his visit five days later and was offered a scholarship that covered books and tuition. Several days later, Norfolk State increased the scholarship offer to cover all expenses and Mazgajewski committed.

A caucasian, Mazgajewski said the visit convinced him he would be comfortable at NSU. He said that he liked the new school's new library, the planned upgrades to the weight-lifting facilities and the acceptance he felt from the players and coaches.

“It was a short process, but it turned out to be worth the wait,” Mazgajewski said of committing just two weeks before National Signing Day. “I thought that going to an historically black college might be an issue, but it’s not.

“I feel like everyone at Norfolk State has my best interests at heart and I like the support system I’ll have with the players and coaches.”